WBO President Paco Valcarcel has responded to claims that Jeff Horn’s unanimous decision win over Manny Pacquiao at the weekend should be reversed.
The former schoolteacher upset huge odds to outpoint Pacquiao and claim the WBO welterweight title at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
However the decision has caused uproar, with many claiming Manny deserved to win the fight, but Valcarcel has pointed out that there is no precedent for his organisation to step in.
“The discretion of a referee or judge cannot be reversed, except in a case of fraud or violation of laws which is not the case in Pac vs Horn,” he said.
“The contract for Pac vs Horn provides a rematch clause, with which the WBO is in accordance if the promoters decide to move forward.”
The contract for Pac vs Horn provides a rematch clause, which the WBO is in accordance if the promoters decide to move forward.
— Paco Valcárcel, Esq. (@PacoValcarcel) July 4, 2017
Pacquiao has admitted he needs to think long and hard about his future after losing to Horn in a gruelling fight. The 38-year-old was planning on a sort of world tour, but is now looking at the possibility of retiring for good.
He retired in 2016, only to return a few months later and dominate Jessie Vargas to win the WBO 147lbs title.
He might well elect to face Horn in an immediate rematch, in an attempt at revenge.
To see how Boxing News scored Pacquiao-Horn, and what we made of the result, click here.
